OZARK…Mr. Victor Wayne Chamberlin, a resident of Ozark, died early Sunday morning, February 22, 2026, at his home. He was 74.
Celebration of Life Services will be 2:00 P.M. Friday, February 27, 2026, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Brian Presley and his uncle, Reverend Gerald Bustin officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. Friday at the funeral home. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Chamberlin was born on September 6, 1951, in Cap Haitien, Haiti, the son of devoted missionaries. His childhood was anything but ordinary. At a young age, his parents moved their family to Papua, New Guinea, where they spent five years serving and ministering to the people there. Those early years shaped him in deep and lasting ways—teaching him resilience, compassion, and a love for people from all walks of life. After their time in New Guinea, the family returned to Haiti for a season before once again returning to New Guinea, where he remained until he was nineteen. Those experiences gave him a worldview far bigger than most young men his age.
At nineteen, he moved to the United States and soon after answered the call to serve his country. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army, where he served for two years. When his military service ended, he didn’t hesitate to return to New Guinea to help his family and support the church that had meant so much to them. Service—both to God and to others—was woven into the very fabric of who he was.
In 1977, he married the love of his life, Vicki. Together, they built a partnership grounded in faith, commitment, and shared purpose. Just a year later, in 1978, the two of them returned to the mission field, continuing the work that had shaped his upbringing. They served faithfully until 1982, when they moved to Ozark so he could attend the Alabama Aviation and Technical College (now Alabama Aviation College). He worked hard, earned his degree, and began a long and dedicated career at Fort Rucker as a technical inspector. He took great pride in his work and retired after thirty years of service.
Ozark became home for him—a place where he built friendships, raised a family, and lived out his faith. He faithfully attended Ozark First Assembly of God Church, where he found community, purpose, and a place to continue serving others.
He was preceded in death by a son, Scott Amos Chamberlin; his father, Victor Charles Chamberlin, whose example of faith and service helped guide the path he walked throughout his life.
Mr. Chamberlin will be remembered as a man of quiet strength, steady faith, and a lifetime of service—someone who gave generously of himself, loved deeply, and lived with purpose wherever he was planted.
Surviving relatives include his wife of forty-eight years, Vicki Chamberlin; three sons, Tony Chamberlin (Tracey), Rodney Chamberlin, all of Ozark, and Kenneth Chamberlin (Amy), Navarre, Florida; mother, Mrs. Claudine Chamberlin, Ozark; sister, Rebecca Duckworth, San Diego, California; four grandchildren, Vivian Chamberlin, Alexander Chamberlin, Kailee Chamberlin, and Alissa Chamberlin.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Shelley Ann McClendon was born on March 7,1948 to the late Fate Baker Sr. and Emma Lee Cochran Baker. She departed this life for her heavenly home on February 16, 2026.
Funeral services for Shelley will be held at 10 AM Saturday, February 28, 2026 in the chapel of Ward Wilson Funeral Home with Pastor Dennis Durry officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Hill cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9 AM until service time.
Shelley was a housewife for many years, worked at Southeast Alabama Medical Center for 8 years and other jobs. She loved her family. She enjoyed smiling, good conversation and laughter.
She was preceded in death by Fate Baker Jr., Cecil Earl Baker, Charlie Baker, Everine Baker and Sarah Lee Parrish.
She leaves to cherish her memories: a loving brother, Joe Baker (Dothan, Alabama) TC McClendon (Webb, Alabama) a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.
DALEVILLE…Gabriel D. Barron, a resident of Daleville, died Thursday evening, February 19, 2026, at his home. He was 16.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, February 26, 2026, in Daleville Baptist Church with Reverend Jim Peters officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 2:00 P.M. Thursday at the church. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family for funeral expenses.
Gabriel was born on March 17, 2009, in Dothan and spent his life growing up in the Wiregrass, surrounded by the people and places he knew best. He attended Zion Chapel High School, where he made friends easily and left an impression on everyone who got to know him.
He was a young man who loved being outdoors and staying active. Fishing was one of his favorite ways to spend a quiet afternoon, and he enjoyed the simple peace of being near the water. He liked lifting weights and pushing himself to get stronger, and he had a real love for anything with wheels—four‑wheelers, e‑bikes, anything that let him ride, explore, and feel the wind on his face. When he was at home, he enjoyed playing video games and hanging out with the people he cared about most.
Gabriel had a big heart and a gentle way about him. He was the kind of person who could make others laugh without trying, and he had a natural warmth that made people feel comfortable around him. His family and friends meant everything to him, and he carried those connections close.
He was preceded in death by his brother, John Bushey, Jr.; his sister, Dana Nevaeh Allen; his maternal grandparents, Edward and Gloria Howell Knoebel; and his paternal grandfather, Charles Robert Barron, Sr., and the only grandfather he knew, Roanld David “Pops” Hallford, Sr. Even though they are gone, their love and influence remained a steady part of his life.
Surviving relatives include his mother, Tenya Knoebel (Donald “Daddy D” Hallford), Daleville; father, Charles Barron, Jr., Dothan; sisters, Trinity Barron, Alexis Kennedy (Adam), and Jada Allen; brothers, Charles Robert Barron, III (Tracey Bowden), Dravon Barron, Blain Barron, and John Patrick Moran; paternal grandmother, Jeanette Kehle (Jim); aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
It is with great sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, fiancée, daughter, sister, granddaughter, cousin, niece, and friend, Veronica Antonia Garcia-Mata. She passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2026, after an automobile accident in Hartford, Alabama. She was 24 years old.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026, at Bottoms Garden Chapel Funeral Home in Hartford with Pastor Dixon Klinger officiating. Burial will follow in Hartford City Cemetery under the direction of Shelby Lett of Bottoms Garden Chapel Funeral Home. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Born on December 5, 2001 in Tampa, Florida to Jaime Mata- Garcia, Sr. and Amanda Thompson Mata. She was a proud graduate of Geneva County High School, Class of 2020, and went on to earn her Medical Assisting diploma from Fortis College in 2024. She was pursuing a career dedicated to serving others.
Veronica had a vibrant, talkative spirit that could brighten any room and a heart that overflowed with love. A true foodie, she enjoyed trying new restaurants, shopping for her favorite things, and making memories with those she cherished most. She had a special love for children and animals and treasured every moment spent with her friends and family.
She was joyfully anticipating the arrival of her precious baby and was deeply excited about embracing motherhood, a role she already carried with so much love in her heart.
Veronica was preceded in death by her grandparents, Roman Mata, Gary Hall; and great grandfather, Floyd Earl Thomas Sr.
Survivors include her fiance, Cameron Dyck; parents, Jaime Mata-Garcia, Sr. and Amanda Mata; siblings, Christopher Thompson, Samuel Thompson (Katie), Kelsie Garcia-Mata (Estacie Lopez), Jaime Garcia-Mata (Alexa Hernandez), and Conchita Garcia-Mata (Robinson Blagg); grandparents, Antonia Garcia, Janice Stambaugh; and great grandmother, Helen Thomas; niece and nephew, Leila and Levi Thompson; uncle and aunt, Gabino Morin, Sr. and Matilde Morin; cousins, Rafael Rubio, Adelaida Morin, Gabino Morin, Jr., Isai Morin, and Asael Morin; along with many other cherished family members and close friends.
Her laughter, warmth, and beautiful spirit will forever live on in all who were blessed to know and love her.
Linda Frances Gilliland, a resident of Clayton, Alabama, died Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Southeast Health in Dothan, Alabama. She was 77 years old.
Linda was born on April 14, 1948, in Alexander City, Alabama. She worked as an insurance agent for Liberty National for several years. Linda was a member of the Montgomery Doll Club and the SACS Gallery both in Montgomery. She was a champion scrabble player, wonderful seamstress that could make anything, she was known as a multi-talented artist, loved cooking for her family but especially loved making phenomenal birthday cakes.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Frances Lewis Gilliland; brother, James Larry Gilliland; nephew, Thomas Gilliland.
Survivors include her sister, Betty Pratt of Clayton; two nieces, Lori LeFevre and Ginger Cobl and her husband Lane; three great-nephews, Pierce LeFevre, Landon Lefevre and his wife Kate, and Jacob Gilliland and his wife Katelyn; niece, Olivia Lefevre Ingalls and her husband Wells.
Glover Funeral Home of Clayton was entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 775-3403. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Linda Frances Gilliland, a resident of Clayton, Alabama, died Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Southeast Health in Dothan, Alabama. She was 77 years old.